LS and LT Swap Radiator for 1964-1967 Pontiac GTO
When swapping an LS or LT motor into a 1964-1967 Pontiac GTO with a manual transmission the 1964-1967 GTO Radiator 17.5" tall (Manual Trans) ensures precise coolant routing and core height matching for a clean install. It preserves the factory hose connections bracket mounts and shroud alignments without trimming or modification while its aluminum construction offers fast heat rejection and resistance to corrosion under varied driving conditions. Each radiator ships fully assembled and meets strict dimensional standards for direct fit on the original frame rails. The 17.5 inch core height match also preserves the classic underhood look without any custom fabrication. This design lets installers focus on their LS or LT swap instead of radiator changes.
Precision Core Height for Factory Alignment
Manufactured in the United States to strict tolerances, each unit delivers consistent fit on the A Body frame without adjustment. The 17.5 inch core height replicates the original spec through precise welding and port placement, so factory hose connections, bracket mounts and fan shroud align perfectly. Inlet and outlet ports align precisely with stock hose diameters, eliminating the need for adapter fittings or custom hoses. Port spacing mirrors the OEM layout to preserve a consistent coolant path. This design maintains the classic underhood appearance of a mid sixties Pontiac GTO, while ensuring coolant routing follows the OE path to prevent hose kinks. Each radiator ships fully assembled, so installers can begin mounting immediately without extra prep work. Installers gain a straightforward drop-in solution that lets them focus on the LS or LT engine installation rather than radiator alterations.
Aluminum Thermal Performance and Durability
Built from premium aluminum, the radiator excels at shedding heat from LS and LT engines in a vintage chassis. Aluminum's inherent thermal conductivity rapidly draws heat out of coolant during spirited runs or slow city traffic, helping to keep operating temperatures in check. A single pass core design optimizes coolant travel through full height passages, reducing hotspots that can undermine performance. By using a uniform aluminum core and tanks, this design avoids the corrosion issues seen in mixed metal assemblies, extending service intervals and system life. The material's light mass contributes to improved handling feel and reduces front end weight for a more balanced ride. With corrosion resistant passages, it withstands seasonal temperature swings, delivering reliable performance for daily driving or weekend track events.
Coating Options for Corrosion Protection and Style
Finish choice extends beyond aesthetics. A bare aluminum option reveals weld beads and machining marks for restorations that honor original detail and maintain full thermal contact. Alternatively, a black epoxy coating seals tanks and fins against moisture, road salt and debris to protect against underhood corrosion while preserving heat rejection. The epoxy layer also helps mask grime and oil stains for a cleaner appearance under the hood. Despite the different surface treatments, each unit delivers the same cooling capacity and drop in mounting accuracy, so performance remains unchanged. Builders and professional shops benefit from identical installation steps regardless of finish for a consistent result.
Count on precise fit and steady cooling; for the same radiator but with fans see our 1964-1967 GTO Radiator 17.5" Tall (Manual Transmission) with Fans.